Planter.



D. A. BIEBINGER.

PLANTEB.

APPLICATION FILED rmma, 1911.

1,107,249. Patented Aug. 18, 1914 DIA. BIEBINGEB.

PLANTER.

APPLICATION FILED PEB.15, 1911.

Patented Aug. 18, 1914,

MW W Y m a m lw\\ D. A. BIEBINGER.

PLANTBR.

APPLICATION FILED 111345, 1911.

1,1 07,249. Patented Aug. 18, 19M

4 SHEETS-BREE! 3.

' STATES PATENT OFFICE.

nn'vm assALEmmarinara, or MOLINE, ILLINOIS, AssieNOn frons cnossn PLOW- oomranr, or LA cnossn, Wisconsin, A CORPORATION-01" WISCONSIN.

I To alll whoniit may concern;

Be it known-that I, DAVID ABsALEM Bin-- 'PLANTER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 18, 1914.

Application filed February 15, 1911. seriain'aeoaa s.

' nmonn, a resident of Moline, in'the county of Rock Island and State of Illinois, have in- ,vented certain new and useful Improveis a full, clear, and exact description. The invention relates to planters or seeding-machineslnentsin Planters, of which the following In machines for planting corn or other,

seed,-it is desirable or necessary to vary the speed. of the seed-dropping devices which are driven by the carrying-wheels, to vary the distance between the points wherethe seeds are deposited in thesoil, or to vary the number of seeds deposited.

One object of the resent invention is to provide improved see -dropping mechanism which is readilyadjustable, to-cause it to be driven'jat different speeds, to vary the number of kernels'deli'vered to the furrow and to attain this variation by adjustment of the; seed receptacle. or the seed dropping mechanism,- together with the gear-element whichserves-to drivethe-see'd-plate; the adjustment ofthis gear-element serving to vary the speedof the seed-plate relatively to the driving-mechanism which isoperated b one of the ground-wheels. As a result 0 this adjustment, variation" of the speed of the Adjustear-element movable therewith may be quic :ly and conveniently efi'ected -by the'operator, while the machine is or is not in operation.

The invention consists in the several novel features hereinafter set forth and more particularly defined byclaims at the conclusion hereof. v p

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a side elevation of a planter embodying the invention,

one of the front ground-wheels. being removed. Fig. 2 isa similar view of the opposite side of the machine. Fig. 3 is an invertcd plan of the seed-box. Fig.4 is a plan showing the frame for supporting the seedbox and the. drive-shaft mounted in said frame, the seed-box being shown in osition assumed when'it is swung. to the ront of said trame'and is inverted, to afford access to the bottom of the box and said shaft; the bottom-cover on the seed-boxbeing removed to more clearly illustrate the gear-plate which drives the seed-plate. Fig. 5 is a horizontal section taken through the seed box immediately above the mechanism on the bottom thereof, the cover-plate for the seed cut-off and discharger being removed. Fig. 6 is adetail section taken on the line 6-6 of Fig. .5. Fig. 7- is a detail section taken on line 77 of Fig. 5. Fig. 8 is a central vertical longitudinal section on line 88 of Fig. 5 taken through the lower port on of the seed-box. Fig. 9 is a transverse section taken on line- 9-9 of Fig. 8; Fig. 10 is a section taken on line 1Q-10 of Fig. 8.

F igrll is a section taken mime-11 41 of Fig. 8.

he planter illustrated in the drawings, comprises :a pair of front ground-wheels 15, which 'are mounted at the ends of a crank axle 16, a mainsupporting-frame 17, and a rear caster-wheel 18, which is mounted on an arm 19, of a standard 20, which is swiveled in a bracket 21, on the main frame 17. The latter is mounted at its front, by brackets 17, on the axle 16, and at its rear is sustained by ground-wheel 18, and standard 20. A beam 21,is adjustably mounted on the structure, and carries a suitable soilopencr, such as a plow 22, a sub soil plow or seed-trench opener 23, a seed-boot 24, for

conducting the seed into the furrow, and

suitable covering-devices, such as disks 25. Beam 21, has its front pivoted to the crankportion of axle 16, and has its rear end sustained by a link 26-, which is pivoted,'as at 27', in bracket '21, and to the beam as at 28. Adjustment of the beam 21, to lower the devices carried thereby, into operative position in the soil, and to, raise them into inoperative position, is effected by a handlever 29, which is rigidly secured to axle 16, so that it will rock the crank'on said axle and to which the beam is pivoted, the rearlink 26, being 0 -erated by the beam. A rack 30, secured to rame 17 and a'lever-lock 31 provide means for locking the beam in its assigned positions. Acounterbalance spring 32, is applied to aid the operator in shifting the bea-m and the parts carriedthereby. A drivers seat 33, is mounted on the frame. The front of frame 17, is cross-connected by an arch-bar 34. I A suitabledraft connection is connected to the front end of beam-2l.

A receptacle or box 36, for containing seed, is mounted abovethe frame 17, and

beam 21. This box comprises a bottom 37, a shell 38, and a suitable top-cover 39, which are secured together by outside tie-bolts 40. An opening 42, is formed in the bottom 37, to permit the seed in the box to fall on a rotatable-seed-plate 43, having aseries of seedcells 44, therein, these cells being adapted to H A separate the kernels from the mass-in the box and to feed them into a conduit which conducts them to the seed-boot .24, which delivers them into the furrow. The central and outer portions of bottom 37, are con;

nected by inte ral arches or bridges, beneath which the see may pass. A rotatable earplate or ring 47, is removably held and ournaled on a hub 49, formed on bottom 37, and is removably and operatively connected to the seed-plate 43, by studs 48, which fit into openings in said plate. The seed-plate rests on a bottom-plate or cover 50, which has a ledge 51, which forms the bottom of a the cells 44, and a discharge opening 52, for

the'seed in the cells. Cover-plate 50 has a 'ledge'50, for holding the gear-plate 47 in position beneath the seed-plate, has an opening 53, therein for the gear which drives the gear-plate 47, and is removably connected to the box-bottom 37, by a bolt 54, and

which hold the plate 50, on a onhub 49. Cover-plate 50 also washer shoulder 5? has a flange 58, extending around the outer edge of the seed-plate. When the seed-box is inverted, nut 54 may be removed, and then cover-plate 50, gear-plate 47, and seedlate .43, may be removed orreplaced. A eeper 56, is secured to the bottom 37, by a bolt 59, to hold bolt 54, in hub 49, when the seed-box is inverted and nut 54 has been bottom-plate50, and for forcing them out of the cells, 'to discharge the seed from the seed-plate; A spring 65, yieldingly holds ejector-arm 63, in engagement with the upper face of the seed-plate between the cells and forces the arm to pass into the cells and to discharge the seed from the cells as the latter pass beneath said arm. 2A cover-plate 66, is removably secured to the top of bottom 37, by a'bolt 67, and serves to hold the cut-off and the ejector in operative position and to cover them.

A-frame 69, is secured,'by bolts 72, upon an arch-bar 70, which is adjustably secured to each of the side-bars of main-frame 17, by .a suitable bolt-and-slot-connection 71',

which permits the frame 69, and all the parts sustained thereby, to be adjusted fore and aft on the main-frame. Frame 69, serves to sustain the seed-box and the 1necha nism fordriving the gear-plate 47 which is mounted on the box-bottom 37, and the conductors which convey the seed from the discharge-opening 52, in plate 50, to the seedboot 24.

The mechanism for drivin gear-plate. 47 from one of the ground-wheei 15, comprises a sprocket-wheel 73, on axle 16, and secured to rotate with said ground-wheel, a sprocketchain74, and a sprocket-wheel 75, which is mounted in an open-bearin 76, on frame 69, and on a drive-shaft 77. procket 75, has a groove 78, in its hub, into which a flan e 79, on frame 69, projects, for holding sald sprocket against longitudinal movement in said frame. Sprockets 73, 75, and chain 74, are operated by one of the ground-wheels, and serve to drive shaft 77, by means of an automatically controlled clutch, whereby said shaft will be driven when the beam carrying the furrow-openers is in lowered or operative position, and will be rendered inoperative when the beam is raised, as shown in Fig. 1. Shaft 77, is revolubly and slidably mounted in a bearing 80, formed in a side-bar 81, of frame 69, and has secured thereto, by a cotter-pin 82, a clutch-member 83, which isslidably and rotatably held in a bearing 84, on a member 85, of frame 69,

Clutch-member 83," has oneway teeth 86,

adapted to engage corresponding. teeth 87, on the hub of sprocket 7 5. A coil-spring 88, is applied between frame-member 81, and a pin 89, on shaft 77, to normally hold the clutch-member 83, in engagement with sprocket 75. This spring 88, and these oneway clutch-teeth cause the drive-shaft 77 to be inoperative, when the machine is operated backwardly. Agear-wheel 90, is fitted on a square portion 91, of shaft 77 whereby this gear will be driven by said shaft, and the latter may slide through said wheel, which is held against longitudinal movement with the shaft, by frame-members 85, and 92,

between which said wheel is disposed. Gear-.

wheel 90, meshes with the gear-teeth on gear-plate 47, to drive the latter and the seed plate. I

The automatically operated controllingmeans for clutch-member 83, and shaft 77 consists of a lever 93, which is pivotally held in a depending lug 94, of frame 69, by a bolt 95,. and has an arm 96, having an inwardly projecting stud or abutment 97, which is disposed to be operated in one direction, by the beam 21 when the latter is raised to render the furrow-openers inoperative. Lever 93, has an arcuate slot-98, formed therein, and shaft 7 7, passes through this slot. An inclined cam 99, is formed around said slot, and is adaptedto-engage a washer 100, held on shaft 77, by a cotter-' mechanism provides a simple and improved pin 101, to shift said shaft longitudinally and withdraw clutch-member 83,- from sprocket 75, when lever 93, is operated-by beam 21'. Whenthe beam is lowered, the gravity of arm 96, and stud 97., and the pressure of spring 88, applied to shaft 77, and through said shaft to inclined cam 99, cause said shaft to beshifted in opposite direction, to shift clutch-member 83 into operative relation with sprocket 75. This structure for automatically controlling the operation of the shaft which causes the seedplate 47, which is mounted onthe seed-box.

, ed to this specific number-ofseries of teeth.

plate to be driven, so that, when the furrowopeners are raised, the-seed-dropping mechanism will be inoperative, and when the furrow-openers are lowered, the dropping mechanism will be operated.

An important feature of the invention. consists in the manner of varying the speed of the seed-dropping mechanism. Gearand beneath the seed-plate 4:3, is provided with a plurality of annular series of gear-' teeth 43 disposed radially of one another, so that each series has a 'difi'erent number of teeth, which will cause the seed=plate to rotate at a different speed, without variation of the gear 90, or its speed, The face of the gear-plate 47, has five annular series of teeth, each of'which is adapted to be brought into operative relation with gear 90, and by shift of this plate relatively to said gear, the seed-plate may be driven at five different speeds. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not restrict- The teeth ofgear 90, are pointed and the spaces in geanpla'te 47,between teeth 43*,

are correspondingly shaped, so that one an nular series of teeth maybe closely disposed to its adjacent series, and the crowns of the teeth 43*, are also V-shaped for this purpose. -It will be understood that all of the teeth of the several series on the gear-plate are substantially alike, so that all will be adapted to properly mesh with and be driven-by the teeth of gear 90, despite dif ference between the pitch-diameters ofjthe annular series. In effect, the annular se-r riesof teeth 43 serve as gear-wheels of different diameters,'which are adapted tobe driven by gear90, to cause the gear-plate a7, and seed-plate 13, to rotate at, correspondingly'difi erent-speeds, or as a multigear element having gears of different di-' ameters for varying its speedrelatively to the gear which drives it. 1 t 1 Adjustment of the gear-plate 47, to bring either'of its annular series of teeth 43,-

-- into engagement with gear 90, and to vary the' speed of the seed-plate, is efl'ected by adjustment of the seed-box which carries said plate. The bottom37, of the seed-box is formed with projecting ears 102, which are pivotally and slidably held on a rod 103, which: is; mounted in lugs104, on

.frame 69. Resultantly, the seed-box may be swung upwardly about rod 103, to with- 'dra'wthe' teeth of gear-plate 17, from engagement with .the teeth of gear 90, and

the seed-box may also be shiftedtransversely of the machine, to bring the teeth ,of either annular .series on gear-plate 17-, into engagement with gear 90, when theseed-box .is restored to its normal position. Manifestlypthe seed-box may. swing into inverted position, as shown in Fig. 1 to provide'access to the box-bottom, gear-plate. 17, and the seedplate 43, and to permit convenient' removal and replacement of the seed-plate when desired. A lever "105, is pivoted, as zit-106, on a lug 107, projecting laterally from frame 69, and isconnected by a link 108, to a bracket or fork 109, having arms which are mounted between lugs 102, on the box, and to slide on pivoterod and to guide the seed-box intoeith'er of said positions, apointed or V-shaped lug. 110, .is

formed on the top of frame 69, and is adapted to enter either of a series of correspond '.i ngly shaped notches 111, on alug depend- 'ing from the'seed-bo x. W hen-lug 1.10, is in either of said notches 111, the seed-box will be." correctly positioned laterally tocause one of the series of teeth on gear-plate 47, to mesh with, and be driven by, gear wheel,

90, whenthe seed-box is in its-normal position. v-At its opposite or free side, theboxbottom 37, is formed with a tooth112, which is adapted .to entereither of a series of notches 113,-to securelylock or hold this side I of the seed-box against lateral movement,

when itis in normal position. A catch 'con-' sisting ofa resilient strip 114,'is secured by a. bolt 115, team upwardly-projecting lug 116, and-serves to lock the seedbo-X against pivotal movement, andin it's normal position so it will'be secured against lateral move ment by teeth 110, 112, and. theircooperating notches 11,1, 113. Strip 114, has its lower end reverted to .form astop 117 ,'be-

neath an elongated lug 118,-on frame 69, and

must be drawn backwardly to clear lug 118, when'the seed-box is to bereleased. Lug 118, issuflic-ientin width,.so that it will cooperate With catch 114, whenthe seed-box isin either of its laterally variant normal positions Frame 69, is provided with a duct 119, for conducting the seed dropping from the cells in the seed-plate, into a hopper 120. Duct 119, is flared at its upper end to catch the seed falling from the seed-plate, in its laterally variant positions. Hopper 120, is

- 90, shaft 77, clutch-member 83, sprocket 75 chain 74, and sprocket 73, which is operated byone of the ground-wheels 15.

The operation of the seed-dropping mechanism will be understood by those skilled in the art, from the description hereinbefore given. Then the beam 21, is raised, to lift the furrow-openers out of the soil, it will encounter.

and shift clutch-controlling lever 93, and operate cam 99, to slide shaft 7 7 and clutchmember 83, laterally so that sprocket 75, will be free to rotate on said shaft, and the latter, as well as the gears for driving the seed-plate will remain inoperative. To vary the speed of the seed-plate, the operator will release catch 114, from frame 69, and then swing the seed-box upwardly about pivot "103, sufiiciently to cause tooth 110, to passout of the notch 111, in which it was disposed, and then the seed-box and ge ir-plate 47, will be free to, and may, be shifted laterally by means of lever 105, until the gearplate is positioned so that when it is lowered into engagement with gear 90, the latter will mesh with that series of teeth on the gearplate 47, which will cause the seed-plate to be driven at the desired speed. Obviously,

when gear 90, meshes withthe teeth of the outer series on gear-plate 47, the seed-plate will be driven at lowest speed, and the succeeding series will each cause the seed-plate to be driven at a relatively higher speed. After the seed-box has been thus adjusted laterally, it will be lowered and while being lowered, lug 110, and one of the notches 111, will cause the seed-box and gear-plate to be truly positioned, so that gear 90, will mesh with the teeth on the gear-plate, and so that tooth 112, will pass into one of the notches 113. When lowered after such adjustment, catch-114, will hold the seed-box against pivotal movement, and the interfitting lugs and notches on the frame 69, and the seedbox respectively I will secure the seed-box against lateral movement, so that gear 9Q, and gear-plate 47 will be held in operative relation to cause the seed-plate to be driven.

The invention thus provides mechanism, for varying the speed of the seed-dropping devices, by adjustment of the seed-box or the gear-element or plate carried by the box, and whereby substitution of one gear-plate or of one seed-plate for another is avoided. Also improved mechanism for controlling the operation of the shaft which drives the gears for o crating the seed-plate, and simple and e cient means for mounting the seed-box and gear mechanism in operative relation.

The construction of the planter set forth, is one which permits the machine to be used simply for plowing when desired, by disconnecting the planting mechanism.

The invention is not to be understood as restricted to the particular form of the invention set forth, since the same may be varied within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

- Having thus described the invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. In a planter, the combination of a supporting-frame, ground-wheels, seed-dropping mechanism, a plurality of gears of different diameters adjustable with and for operating said dropping-mechanism, mechanism for driving said gears from one of the ground-wheels, and means for adjustably sustaining the dropping mechanism and said gears, so that either of said gears may be shifted into operative relation with said driving-mechanism, to vary the speed of the dropping mechanism.

'2. In a planter, the combination of a supporting-frame, ground-wheels, seed-dropping mechanism, a plate having a. plurality of gears of difierent diameters thereon, for operating said dropping-mechanism, mechanism for driving aid gears from one of the ground-wheels, and means for adjustably sustaining the dropping-mechanism and said plate, so that either of said gears may be shifted into operative relation with said driving mechanism, to vary the speed of the dropping-mechanism.

3. In a planter, the combination of a supporting-frame, ground-wheels, seed-dropping mechanism comprising a rotatable seed-plate, a plurality of gears of different diameters rotatable with said plate, mechanism for driving said gears from one of the ground-wheels, and means for adjustably sustainingthe seed-plate and said ears, so that either of said gears may be shi ted into operative relation with said driving-mechanism, to drive the seed-plate at different speeds.

4. In a planter, the combination of a supporting-frame, ground-wheels, seed-drop ping mechanism comprising a rotatable seed-plate, a plate having a plurality of gears of different diameters on one of its faces, operatively connected to said seederatively connected to said dropping-mechanism, mechanism 'for driving said gears from one.of the ground-wheels, comprising a pinion, and means for adjustably sustain 1 ing said gears so that their axes may be vary the speed of the seed-plate.

shifted to or from said pinion and so that either of said gears may-be shifted into en-.

gagement with said pinion, to-vary the speed of the dropping-mechanism 6. In a'planter, the'combination of a supporting-frame, seed-drop ing mechanism, a plate having gears of di erent diameters on one of its faces, operatively connected to the dropping-mechanism, mechanism for driv-- ing said plate from one of the groundwheels, comprising a, pinion, and means for adjustably sustaining said gears so that their, axes may be shifted to move the gears to or from, and into engagement with said pinion, to vary the speed of the droppingmechanism.

7. Inaplanter, the combination of a sup:

porting-frame, seed-dropping mechanism comprising a rotatable seed-plate, a plate mounted to'rotate with the seed-plate, having a plurality of gears on one of its faces, mechanism for driving said gear-plate from one of the ground-wheels, comprising a pin ion, and meansfor adjustably sustaining the gear-plate and seed-plate, so. that its axis may be shifted to or from the pinion, and

so that either of the gears thereon may be shifted into engagement with said pinion, to

8. In a planter, the combination of a suporting-frame, a seed-receptacle mounted on the frame, seed-dropping mechanism at the bottom of the receptacle, a plate having a plurality of gears of different diameters, mounted on the receptacle and operatively connected to thedropping-mechanism, and mechanism for driving either of said gears.

9. In a planter, the combination of a supporting-frame, a seed-receptacle mounted on the frame, seed-dropping mechanism comprising a rotatable seed-plateat the bottom of the receptacle, a plate having a plurality of gears of different diameters, mounted on the receptacle and operatively connected to the seed-plate, and mechanism for driving either of said gears.

10. In a planter, the combination of a supporting-frame, a seed-receptacle mounted on ping-mechanism to the frame, seed-dropping mechanism, comprising a seed-plate rotatably and removably mounted at the bottom of the receptacle, a plate having a plurality of gears of difl'erent diameters, removably mounted beneath, and operatively connected to the seed-. plate, and mechanism for driving either of said gears.

11. In a lister, the combination of a supporting structure, a plow, aplow beam adjustably sustained by said structure, a seedtrench opener, seed receptacle mounted on said structure, seed-dropping mechanism,

mechanism for driving'said dropping-mech- 'anism at different speeds, comprising gears mounted on the receptacle and on the frame respectively, and a s'hiftable connection which permits shift of one of said gears relatively to the other to vary the speed of the dropping I mechanism.

12. In a lister, the combination of a supporting structure, a plowadjustably sustained by said structure, a seed-trench opener, a seed-receptacle mounted on said structure, seed dropping-mechanism for drlving said dropping-mechanism at difi'erent speeds, comprising gears mounted'on the receptacle and on'the frame, respectively,

and a slidable connection which permits shift of one of said gears relatively to the other to vary the speed of the droppingmechanism.

13. In a lister, the combination of a supporting structure, a plow and a seed-trench opener, adjustably mounted on said structure, a seed-trench opener, a seed-receptacle, mounted on said structure, seed-dropping mechanism, mechanism for driving said dropping-mechanism at different speeds, comprising a multl-gear wheel and a gear adapted to mesh therewith, one of said ids gears being mounted'on the receptacle and the other on the frame, and a shiftable' connection which permits relative shift of the gears to cause the dropping-mechanism to be drivenat different speeds.

14. In a lister, the combination of a supporting structure, ground-wheels, a. plow adj ustably sustained by said structure, a seedtrench opener carried by said beam, mounted on said structure, seed-dropping mechanism, mechanism for drivin the droppingmechanismat different speeds, comprising a multi-gear wheel and a gear adapted tof mesh therewith, one of which'is mounted on the receptacle and the other on said structure, a shiftable connection which permits relative shift of the ars to cause the dropis driven at different speeds.

15. In a planter, the combination of a seed-receptacle, su porting means therefor, seed-dropping mec anism and a plurality of gears of different diameters, mounted so as tofbe movable with said receptacle, and

mechanism for driv' said gears, said receptacle' being shiftab e to bring either of said gears into operative relation with said driving-mechanism, and whereby the speed 'of the dropping-mechanism may be varied.

4 said gears, said receptacle being shiftable to gear-p bring either of said gears into operative relation with said pinion, and whereby the speed of the dropping-mechanism may be varied. a

17. In a planter, the combination of a seed-receptacle, supporting-means therefor, seed-dropping mechanism connected to said receptacle, a plate rotatably connected to the receptacle and operatively connected to said mechanism, and having a plurality of gears of different diameters thereon, mechanism for driving said plate, and an adjustable connection between the receptacle and; the supporting-means, which permits the receptacle, dropping-mechanism and said plate to be shifted to bring either of said gears into operative relation with said drivlng-mechanism, and whereby the speed of the dropping-mechanism may be varied.

18. In a planter, the combination of a seed-receptacle, supporting-means therefor,

seed-dropping mechanism comprising a rotatable seed-plate connected to the receptacle, a plate having gears of different diameters thereon,'0, er'atively connected to the seed-plate, mec anism for driving said plate, and an adjustable connection between the receptacle and its supporting-means, which ermits the receptacle, seed-plate and fate to be shifted to bring either of the gears on the gear-plate'into operative relation with said driving mechanism, and whereby the speed of the seed-plate may be varied. a

19. In a planter, the combination of a seed-receptacle, supporting-means therefor,

seed-dropping mec anism connected to said receptacle,a rotatable plate having gears of different diameters, removably and operatively connected to said dropping-mechanism, mechanism for driving said gearplate, and an adjustable connection between the receptacle and its supporting-means which permits the receptacle, dro pingmechanlsm and gear-plate to be shited to bring either of said gears into operative relation with said driving-mechanism 'and whereby the speed of the dropping-mecha nism maybe varied.

20. In a planter, the combination of a seed-receptacle, su porting-means therefor, seed-dropping mec nism comprising a seedplate rotatably connected to the receptacle,

a plate having gears of different diameters, operatively and removably connected to the seed-plate, mechanism for driving said plate,

and an adjustable connection between the receptacle and its supporting-means, which permits the receptacle, seed-plate, and gearplate to be shifted to bring either of said gears into operative relation with the driving-mechanism, and whereby the speed of the seed-plate may be varied. v

21. In a planter, the combination of a seed-receptacle, supporting-means therefor, seed-dropping mec anism comprising a seed-plate rotatably and removably connected to the receptacle, a plate having gears of different diameters, removably and operatively connected to the seed-plate, mechanism for driving said gear-plate, and an adjustable connection between the receptacle operative relation with 'said driving-mechanism, to vary the speed of the droppingmechanism, and means for securing the gears against disconnection from said driving-mechanism, when they are in their different positions.

23. In a planter, the combination of a supporting-frame, ground-wheels, seed-dropping mechanism, a plate having a plurality of gears, of different diameters thereon, for operating said dropping-mechanism, mechanism for driving sald gears from one of the ground-wheels, means .for adjustably sustaining the droppingmechanism and said plate, so that either of saidgears may be shifted into" operative relation with said driving-mechanism to vary the speed of the dropping-mechanism, and means for securing the gears against disconnection from the driving-mechanism, when they are in their different positions. 4

24, In a planter, the combination of a supporting-frame. seed-dropping mechanism, a plurality of gears ofdifl'erent diameters, operatively connected -to said droppingmechanism, mechanism for driving said gears from one of the ground-wheels, com-' prising a pinion, means for adjustably sustaining said gears sothat their axes may be shifted'to or from said pinion and so that either of said gears vmay be shifted into engagement with said pinion, to vary the speed of the dropping-mechanism, and means a for securing the gears. against disconnection from the pinion, when they are in either of their different positions.

25. In a planter, the combination of a seed-receptacle, supporting-means therefor, seed-dropping mechanism mounted on the receptacle, a plurality of gears also mounted on the receptacle, mechanism for driving mesh with said pinion, to vary the speed of' the dropping-mechanism, and means for securing the receptacle in either of its different positions to hold the gears in operative relation.

27. In a planter, the combination of a seed-receptacle, supporting means therefor, seed-dropping mechanism comprising a seed-plate rotatably mounted on the receptacle, a plate having gears of different diameters thereon, mounted to rotate with and drive'the seed-plate, mechanism for: driving said gears, an adjustable connection for tive vrelation.

the receptacle, which permits either of the gears carried thereby to be shifted into operative relation with said driving-mechanism, and mechanism for locking the receptacle in its different positions.

28. In a planter, the combination of a seed-receptacle, supporting-means therefor, seed-dropping mechanism comprising a seed-plate rotatably and removably connected to the receptacle, a plate having gears of different diameters removably mounted on the receptacle and connected to said seedplate, mechanism for driving said gears comprising a pinion, an. adjustable connection between, the receptacle and'its supporting means, which permits shift of the receptacle to bring either of the gears on the gear-plate into mesh with said pinion, and means for locking the receptacle in. position to keep either of said gears and said pinion inopera- 29. In a planter, the combination of a seed-receptacle, supporting-means therefor,

pinion and said between said receptacle and itssupportingmeans. I

30. In a planter, the combination of a seed-receptacle, supporting-means therefor, seed-dropping mechanism on said receptacle, mechanlsmfor driving said dropping-mechanism, and a. pivotal and: sliding connection between said receptacle and its supportingmeans.

' 31. In a planter, the combination of a seed-receptacle, supporting-means therefor, seed-dropping mechanism on the receptacle, a plurality of gears of different diameters, mounted on the receptacle and for driving said mechanism, mechanism for driving said gears, and a sliding connection between the receptacle and its supporting-means.

32.. In a planter, the combination of a seed-receptacle, supporting-means therefor,

seed-dropping mechanism, and aplurality of gears of different diameters carried by the receptacle, mechanism fordriving said gears, and a pivotal and sliding connection between the receptacle and its supportingmeans. i f

33. In a planter, the combination of a seed-receptacle, supporting means therefor,

seed-dropping mechanism'carried by the receptacle, mechanism for driving said dropping-mechanism, a sliding connection betweensaid receptacle and its supporting means, and means for locking the receptacle in its different operative positions, against slidmg movement.

34. In a planter, the combination-of a seed-receptacle, supporting means therefor, seed-dropping mechanism on the receptacle, mechanism'for driving said dropping-mechanism, a pivotal and slidable connectionbe "tween the receptacle and its supportingmeans, and means for locking the recep tacle against pivotal and sliding movement in its dlflerent positions.

35. In a planter, the combination of a seed-receptacle, supporting-means therefor,

seed-dropping mechanism on the receptacle, a plurality of gears of different diameters mounted on the receptacle and for driving said mechanism, mechanism for driving said, gears, a sliding connection between the re ceptacle and its supporting-means, and

means for locking the receptacle, when in its different positions, against sliding move-- ment.

seed-receptacle, supporting-means therefor,

seed-dropping mechanism on the receptacle,

36. In a planter, the combination of a means, and means for locking the receptacle against pivotal and sliding movement when it is in different operative positions.

-seed-dropping mechanism, .mounted on the 37. In a planter, the combination of a seed-receptacle, supporting-means therefor, seed-dropping mechanism, mounted on the receptacle, mechanism for driving the dropping-mechanism, a sliding connection between the receptacle and its' supportingmeans, and a lever connected to impart sliding movement to the receptacle.

38. In a planter, the combination of a seed-receptacle, supporting-means therefor.

receptacle, mechanism for driving the dropping-mechanism, a sliding connection between the receptacle and its supportingmeans, locking-means for said connection and a lever connected to impart sliding movement to the receptacle.

39. In a planter, the combination of a seed-receptacle, supporting-means therefor, seed-dropping mechanism mounted on the receptacle, 7 mechanism for driving said dropping-mechanism, a pivotal and sliding connection, between the receptacle and its supporting-means, and a lever for slidably shiftin the receptacle.

40. n a planter, the combination of a seed-receptacle, suppo'rting5means therefor, seed-dropping mechanism and a plurality of gears of different diameters, mounted on the'receptacl'e, a sliding connection for per- -mitting the receptacle and said gears to be slidably shifting the receptacle and gears,

to vary the speed of the dropping-mechanism. p .42. .In a planter, the combination of a seed-receptacle, supporting-means therefor, seed-dropping mechanism and a plurality of gears adjustable with the receptacle, a

sliding and pivotal connection between the receptacle and its supporting-means, mechanism for driving said gears, a .lever for slidably shifting said-receptacle and means for locking the receptacle agam'st pivotal and sliding movement, in its diiferent operative poslt ons.

43. In a planter, the combination supporting frame, ground-wheels, seeddropping. mechanism, andaplurality of gears ofdifierent diameters adjustable with andjfordriving said mechanism,mechanismv for driving said gears from one of the of a' ground-wheels, means for .adjustably sus- I may be shifted into operative relation with said driving-mechanism, to vary the speed of the dropping-mechanism, a lever for shifting said gears and dropping-mechag5 nism, and meansfor securing said gears and dropping-mechanism in their different operative positions.

45. In a planter, the combination of a frame, a-seed-receptacle pivotally connected to said frame, seed-dropping mechanism carried by the receptacle, variable speed gear mechanism for drivin the droppingmechanism, means for con ning the receptacle against lateral movement, comprising interlocking teeth on the receptacle and the frame respectively and a locking-device for securing the receptacle against pivotal movement.

46. In a planter, the combination of a frame, a seed-receptacle adjustably mounted on the frame, seed-dropping mechanism carried by the receptacle, variable-speed mechanism for driving the dropping-mechanism, and an interlocking device between the receptacle'and the frame, for holding the receptacle in its different positions on said frame.

47. In 'a planter, the combination of a frame, a seed-receptacle pivotally and slidablymounted on the frame, seed-dropping mechanism carried by the receptacle, variable-speed mechanism for driving the dropping-mechanism, comprising gears on the receptacle and a gear mounted in said frame, and an interlockin device between the frame and the receptacle, which will secure the ears in mesh, when the receptacle is shifted into either of its different po-v sitions. 120

48. In a planter, the combination of a frame, a seed-receptacle adjustably mounted on said frame, seed-dropping mechanism carried by the receptacle, variable-speed gear mechanism for driving the dropping mechanism, a series of teeth and a tooth adaptedto pass between the teeth of said series, and for guiding the receptacle 'to its different positions on the frame.

49. In a planter, the combination of a 139 of the receptacle for securing the receptacle against sliding movement, and a latch 10 for holding the receptacle against pivotal movement.

DAVID ABSALEM BIEBINGER. Witnesses:

E. S. OAsE, F. E; DAVIS. 

